Girl, 15, left brain dead after social media challenge – 'Wanted to be TikTok star'

A 15-year-old girl who her father said “always wanted to be TikTok famous” has been declared brain dead after allegedly taking part in a dangerous social media challenge involving overdosing on allergy medication. Leah Presson, from Oklahoma, was left with what her family described as “zero brain activity” after reportedly attempting the so-called Benadryl challenge, a viral trend that encourages users to consume excessive amounts of the antihistamine drug to experience a high.

Her devastated father, Richard Presson, has spoken out in the hope of preventing similar tragedies and urging parents to educate their children about the dangers of online challenges. Speaking to NewsNation, he said: “Leah is a very great person and she always wanted to be TikTok famous. “It hurts to see that my daughter is now lying lifeless because of some challenge that couldn’t be stopped.” Leah was rushed to the hospital in Enid, Oklahoma, after suffering seizures. Her family initially believed the medical emergency could be linked to her history of asthma, but later suspected she had once again taken part in the dangerous challenge.

According to Richard, Leah had attempted the Benadryl challenge several times before. This latest incident left her fighting for her life in intensive care for several days before a series of tests confirmed she was brain dead.

Medical experts have repeatedly warned about the potentially fatal consequences of taking excessive amounts of the allergy medication.

Dr Ryan Brown said healthcare professionals are well aware of the trend and the risks associated with it.

He said: “When you take Benadryl in excess… it can lead to seizures and cardiac arrhythmias, and sometimes those cardiac arrhythmias lead to cardiac arrest, which can lead to no blood to the brain, which can lead to brain death.”

Doctors warn that taking too much Benadryl can trigger seizures, heart problems and, in some cases, death.

Richard said he wanted other families to learn from his daughter’s ordeal.

“I just want everybody to be aware of where they can educate their kids,” he said.

“But these challenges are just silly, and they need to be educated so it doesn’t happen again.”

He described Leah as “the most giving person in the world” with a laugh that was impossible to forget.

The grieving father shared an emotional video showing family and friends gathered around Leah’s hospital bed, praying, holding her hand and singing to her.

After doctors pronounced Leah brain dead, Richard revealed the family had chosen to donate her organs, saying it reflected the kind of person she was.

He said: “I’m still waiting on a miracle even though some have given up,” but added that they had decided to “donate her organs because she is the kind of girl that would have given anything to anybody”.

In a message posted on Sunday, Richard added: “She loved Grey’s Anatomy and is able to possibly save up to 90 lives with her little body.

“They have 72 hours before they harvest her organs and there will be an honor walk for her, where everyone lines the hallways and honors her.”

Dr Brown stressed that Benadryl is a safe and effective treatment for allergies and colds when used correctly, but warned that excessive doses can be deadly.

He advised parents: “If your child is acting strange, look around.

“Make sure that there’s not an empty pill bottle or something in the vicinity that may lead you to a clue as to what may have been going on.”

The Daily Express has contacted TikTok for comment.